When it comes to buying an older home, some problems are annoying while others can pose a serious threat to your health. If you don’t like the color of the walls or the style of the kitchen, you can fix them. If the house contains lead or asbestos, the damage...
In the past, I’ve addressed the risks posed by asbestos and lead. This week, I’ll tackle the dangers of mold. Not all mold is created equal, but all mold in a house (unless it’s on cheese by design) should be assessed so you know if it’s allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic. Allergenic...
As I mentioned last week, spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s are a few more recommendations to keep your house in peak condition. HVAC Filters Like most appliances, heating and air conditioning systems run more efficiently when their...
Spring cleaning is kind of like exercising—the benefits are great, but it’s hard to get yourself to do it. Here’s a little pep talk about why spring cleaning is worth the effort (and hey, I believe cleaning can count as exercise, so you can feel twice as good about your...
Home ownership comes with many benefits, including tax advantages. Here are a few ways that owning a home can save you money. Mortgage Interest Deduction When you take out a loan to buy your house, you get a deed of trust (mortgage), requiring you to make monthly payments to a bank or...
Last week, I wrote about some of the tax benefits that come with home ownership. Here are more ways to maximize the financial benefits of home ownership. Home Equity Line of Credit If the market value of your home is significantly greater than the amount you owe on your home loan, you...
Are you considering a home remodel or building a new house? Here are some questions you should ask before you choose a contractor or other licensed professional. How long have you been in business? In a community as small as ours, word gets around if you don’t know what you’re doing. In...
With interest rates higher than they’ve been in years, those who want to buy a home are looking for ways to make it more affordable. According to Zillow, younger generations are willing to get creative when it comes to home ownership. One of the most common housing hacks among Millennials (ages...
Traditionally, spring is the time when people put their houses up for sale. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the hope is that the beauty of the season will render the homes on the market irresistible to prospective buyers. This spring, we’re likely to see quite a bit more inventory....
Last week, I shared some important questions that people who are in the market to buy a home should ask so they can make the best decisions possible. If you’re like most people, buying a home will be the largest purchase you’ll ever make, so I recommend finding out everything...
